However, according to The Times, Chelsea will offer the Spaniard a new deal in order to keep him at the club but there is still uncertainty as to whether he’ll sign as much depends on whether or not the two parties can reach an agreement with suggestions that there could be a disagreement over the length of the contract.

The future looked bleak for the 30-year-old early last season, as he didn’t seem to have a prominent role to play for Antonio Conte. Nevertheless, he remained professional, made key contributions when given an opportunity and helped Chelsea to another Premier League title.

Further, he’s made 10 appearances so far this season and continues to be important to the Italian tactician, albeit injuries have ensured that he has had to start, but it makes sense as to why Chelsea would now want to keep him on the books.

Also, having sold Nemanja Matic to United this past summer, the Blues will surely be wary of handing Mourinho another key player and so it remains to be seen whether or not an agreement is reached.

It’s added by the Times that Fabregas has emerged as an alternative to Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil for United, with the German playmaker linked with a move to Manchester as his current contract with the Gunners is set to expire at the end of the season.

With no suggestion publicly that a renewal is close, time will tell if he stays in north London beyond this season, but if Fabregas inks a new deal and therefore is no longer a realistic target, then perhaps the focus for United will switch back to the Arsenal ace.